NEWMARKET, ON, JANUARY 9, 2019: Year one of the ‘Community
Product Initiative’ wrapped up today, with an announcement of the overall final
tally of $25,164 – and a cheque presentation to four life-changing
organizations.

The program launched in January 2018, and has been
growing weekly with funds accruing at each of the four main stores, where staff
and customers had helped select a local charity. With each flyer, a new
‘community product’ was identified, from which 15 percent of total sales of
that item were set aside.

“To say we are pleased with the response would be an
understatement,” said Giancarlo Trimarchi, partner, CFO and Controller at
Vince’s Market. “This was driven by team members and customers, and the amount
raised exceeded our expectations.”

Representatives from each of the four recipient
organizations were on hand to receive their share of the donations.

“The funds raised are greatly appreciated by all of
our staff, and the Township of Uxbridge and Scugog,” said Animal Control
Officer Jessica Pett. “The money will be used to fund, create improvements,
purchase equipment and improve the level of care for animals in the new
Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter.”

A representative from Tottenham Food Bank noted that
the funds will be put to good use keeping shelves full during those periods
when donations are down. “This time of year we get a lot of volume,” said food
bank president Robin Hawkes. “Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, however, we
are very lucky, but that has to last us until Thanksgiving again next year.”

Blue Door Shelters operates three emergency housing
facilities, Leeder Place, Porter Place and Kevin’s Place, providing a safety
net for the families, men and youth in York Region. Business Director Emmy
Kelly noted the donation will be used for, “the provision of the Employment and
Housing Start-Up Programs, life skills and support groups. These are designed
to empower clients to connect to the community and thereby increase their
chances of retaining housing.”

Doane House Hospice Executive Director Juliet Irish added: “Vince’s Annual Community Product Initiative is a wonderful idea, as it brings great awareness to the charities, as well as much-needed funds. We are earmarking their donation to our Caregiver Self-Care program. As the quote from Eleanor Brown says: ‘Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel’.”

Vince’s
Market is no stranger to corporate philanthropy, having supported many
worthwhile causes since founder Carmen Trimarchi purchased their first location
in Sharon in 1986. Since then, along with partners Brian Johns and Giancarlo
Trimarchi, they have grown the independent grocery chain, allowing Vince’s to
commit a significant annual budget to community sponsorships.

These were the Community Product Initiative recipients for 2018:

Newmarket: Doane House Hospice

Doane House Hospice is a dynamic non-profit
organization, dedicated to enhancing quality of life through non-medical
support for those affected by, or caring for, an individual with a
life-threatening illness. DHH also provides bereavement support. Their vision
is to make volunteer hospice care accessible to all in the community.

Sharon: Blue Door Shelters

Blue Door Shelters provides safe, supportive shelter
and services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Initiated as a shelter for single men in 1982, Blue Door Shelters has expanded
its services to include emergency shelter programs for families and youth.

Tottenham: Tottenham Food Bank

Tottenham Food Bank provides this essential service
with no judgment or restrictions. There are two locations – Tottenham and
Beeton – which are open every Tuesday afternoon and evening to all residents
who find themselves in need.

Uxbridge: Uxbridge-Scugog Animal
Shelter

The Uxbridge-Scugog
Animal Control Centre has been pairing local families with dogs and cats for
generations. Located on Reach St., the Shelter is responsible for animal
control across Uxbridge and Scugog Townships. Their dedicated team of
full-time, part-time and volunteer staff provides care for dozens of injured
stray cats and dogs until they can be reunited with their owners, or placed for
adoption.